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Rock House Podcast

Stories from the music underground

Rock House Podcast

Stories from the music underground

Rock House Podcast

Stories from the music underground of Boston and beyond

Season 4 - Four Questions

One episode per week about the new band, Learson Peak

Stephen and Michelle Learson take you on their journey of running the indie rock band, Learson Peak. Stephen makes the music and Michelle tries to get it out into the world. Follow us to see if we can make it through the underground music scene of Boston and beyond.

We share how we celebrated Mother's Day last Sunday and highlight a special photo from our drummer Jules Jenssen. Stephen meets new local musicians Jack Byrne and Gentle Temper. Michelle talks about her internal dilemma of launching an Instagram robot. We look forward to Boston Calling next Friday.

Stephen makes an apology and reads The Indobox statement about their final shows. Michelle recaps Dr. Dog and a revelation about foreign currency. We discuss the upcoming Green River Festival on July 13 and learn about the infamous 27 Club. Michelle starts to make new designs for Block Island 2018.

We update you on Stephen's birthday festivities, news from House of Blues Foundation Room and a short introduction to 15 must-watch music documentaries. Stephen debuts his new video series - Synthesizer Show & Tell - with the Behringer Model D (a birthday gift).

Michelle reveals a new marketing strategy and recaps the Joe Perry Pre-Party on 5/18 at House of Blues Foundation Room. Stephen makes a serious statement to Indobox fans who attended their last show at Brighton Music Hall on 5/13/18. We look forward to lespecial's 4/20 lineup and the debut of The Flat.

Hi everyone welcome to the first episode of Four Questions - a new series on our Rock House Podcast. It’s going to be a weekly podcast – which I hope to stick to this time – about Stephen’s new band - Learson Peak. Each week, I will share with you answers to 4 questions:

S3 Episode 2: Burning Slow

The Story Behind the First Track

We explore the first song off of the Learson Peak album - Burning Slow. Find out why Stephen wrote the song, and all the cool synthesizers he used to create the effects. Michelle gives us an update on the the past weekend and formation of the Learson Peak live band.

S3 Episode 1: Gems of 2017

Songs You Should Have Heard in 2017

Welcome to 2017! For a second year in a row, Stephen brings you his pick for top 10 must-hear songs of 2017. Check it out, and let us know what you think.

Season 3 Teaser

After a year of working on Stephen's new album, Learson Peak - we're back with a brand new season. Season 3 will bring to your ears a deconstructed view of each track on the new album. Stay tuned for the Rock House Supernova.

S2 Episode 8: Gems of 2016

Songs you should have heard last year

In this special New Years episode, Stephen shares 11 of his songs from Gems of 2016 - a specially curated list of our favorite songs released in 2016 that you might have missed.

S2 Episode 5: A Drummer with Good Taste

Ian Chang, a classically-trained drummer from Hong Kong, explains how his voracious appetite led him to the maximalist band Son Lux. We had a chance to speak with Ryan Lott, leader of Son Lux, as well as guitarist Rafiq Bhatia. Special thanks to Adam Schatz (Landlady) and Justin Chang (Ascot Chang) for being guests on our show.

S2 Episode 4: Rules We Break On Tour

Turkuaz, a colorful 9-piece power funk band from Brooklyn, shares how the band originally formed, chose their name and grew their fan base. Singers Sammi and Shira read through a list of the band's rules of the road - which they break all the time, and we also get a chance to hear from Thor Harris, the original author of the viral list: "How to Tour in a Band or Whatever." Stephen gets to practice a fascinating vocal tip.

S2 Episode 1: Power Funk

Season 2 of the Rock House kicks off with one of the most talented drummers in the music industry: Nikki Glaspie. Nikki has played with Beyonce, Chaka Kahn, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Maceo Parker, Destiny's Child and George Michael. In 2012,

Nikki left Beyonce and started her own band, The Nth Power. In this episode, we were lucky enough to speak with Nikki as well as Nate Edgar (bass) and Nick Cassarino (guitar, vocals).

Thank you to our sponsor Izotope for making our show possible. Special thanks to Sounds of Berklee podcastPhoto Credit: Jeremy Scott

Season 2 Teaser

SURPRISE! We have a very special BONUS track where we introduce Turkuaz - one of our feature bands for Season 2 of the Rock House. After the short preview, Stephen spends some time with his long-time piano teacher, Mrs. Elaine Friedlander of Friedlander Piano Studio. Meanwhile, Michelle gives us an update on her Podquest.

S1 Episode 12: Pimps of Dance Vibes

In our Season 1 finale episode we bring you a glimpse into the mysterious life of Brian J, lead guitarist and singer for the Brooklyn band Pimps of Joytime. David Bailis (bass / keyboards / synths) discusses the band's song-writing process and gigging thirty nights a month in Brooklyn while Kim Dawson (vocalist) shares her perspective on working with Brian. Stephen and Michelle prepare for Season 2.

S1 Episode 10: Building Bands and Brands

How did Russ Friedell become the manager of Jimkata and Big Mean Sound Machine? How do you build your band's brand? Russ shares his experience with marketing, promotion and touring. Angelo Peters, Evan Friedell and Packy Lunn weigh in their thoughts. Stephen is evasive on his experience touring with Jimkata in 2015.

S1 Episode 8: Step Into Her Office

Marie Kim is a Berklee-trained keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and sound engineer. An accomplished musician from Brooklyn, NY, Marie leads an original synth-pop group called Blank Paper. She has toured the world with bands such as MS MR, St. Lucia, and X Ambassadors. When she’s not on tour, Marie is the Front of House engineer at Webster Hall – one of the largest venues in New York City.

S1 Episode 7: Death-Funk Dance

Born in the woods of Connecticut and raised in the wilds of Boston, lespecial has established themselves as an aggressive death funk trio. Luke Bemand, the bassist for lespecial, talks about how the band was first created, the making of the lespecial's latest album - Omnisquid, and living in Allston rat city.

S1 Episode 6: Gear and Gadgets

Mr. Vin Pugliese - a talented lighting designer, engineer, artist and juggler - shares his experiences with building video domes, mapping 3D projections, touring with The Hornitz, and cruising down the Charles in his motorboat. Stephen gets a chance to geek out about synthesizers.

S1 Episode 5: The Mad Mauritian

Welcome to our metal episode. You'll hear first hand from drummer Chris Narainen of Lord Almighty, Proplydz and Jazz First about what it's like to be a financier-turned-rockstar from the exotic island of Mauritius. We'll also give you an update about our start-up podcast endeavors, Stephen's solo project Psychic Spies, and Michelle's wedding plans.

S1 Episode 4: The Supernatural Gig

Stephen and Michelle go home for the holidays and interview an old friend: Andy Vernon. Andy talks about playing with Slave Dog, growing up with the guitar, playing Nirvana and Green Day, and recounts an especially strange convention one night at the Holiday Inn.

S1 Episode 3: Craft Beer Banter

Ever wonder what it’s like to manage a band? Forrest Chess is a seasoned manager, booking agent, production manager and craft beer connoisseur. Hear his views about the underground music industry in this third episode of our Rock House Podcast.

S1 Episode 2: Scranton Made

Mike Carter can really shred a guitar – but can he cast some pod? Find out in this second episode of the Rock House where we interview Mike about growing up in Scranton, playing with The Indobox, and performing with the Disco Biscuits at the House of Blue in Boston.

S1 Episode 1: Viking Drumming

Jules Jenssen is a viking band leader, drummer, DJ and friend. Our very first episode features music from Ross Jenssen: Jules' new heavy futuristic instrumental project featuring powerful electric bass and drums.